Several years ago, we got a call from a family with a special situation. Their 7-year-old boy was the size of a 13-month-old because of a genetic condition that made him so severely immuno-compromised that he could not leave his house. He needed a special air filter on in the house that protected him from long stays at the hospital. As you can imagine, coming into a therapy practice with other children around was completely out of the question. He couldn't even leave his home! As a result, he had never had therapy of any kind! Over the course of a couple of years, he learned how to write, cut out shapes, and eat foods!! His family was actively involved in therapy and supported him every step of the way!
After we witnessed his progress, we started asking the question, "Why not?"
Why not on-line therapy for families who live far away from quality therapy services?
Why not on-line therapy to support our families who don't have any mode of transportation?
Why not on-line therapy for kids who are motivated by technology?
Why not . . .
Over the past 6 years, we have partnered with local schools, homeschool families, and families around the world to help in this out-of-the-box way.
Identify your child’s interests, strengths and triggers, and your concerns. Please talk with your children about how they get to “play with [insert therapist’s name] today in a new way! You get to see them through the computer and play games together even though you are not in the same place!”
It is OK, you are not expected to be a tech wizard! The therapist will explain to you the basics and is used to giving clear directions. If you are camera shy, there are many ways around this. When problems arise, the therapist can help support you through minor difficulties. For anything which is too problematic you and/or the therapist can connect with tech support either through Growing Healthy Children Therapy Services or Zoom. They are awesome!
Therapy does not work in a vacuum, and working as a team is the most effective path to progress. It is expected that you as a parent or caregiver will accompany the child to each session to assist with technology, ensure materials are available, to act as the therapist’s hands when needed, and to observe what strategies are being utilized to provide follow through between sessions. The therapist will give clear directions during sessions and will often send information about required materials ahead of time.
Online therapy has been shown to be very successful, in part as a result of its collaborative process. Many families find that by attending/observing the sessions they better understand the role of the therapies their children receive and what they can do to help their child on a daily basis. This in turn brings up more questions, suggestions, thoughts, and ideas- as well as having the potential for exponential gains! You as parents will be empowered as you learn the skills and techniques that you can then implement on a daily basis to assist your child in improving strengths and overcoming challenges.
